Bedri Hamza: The violence used yesterday was disproportionate

Bedri Hamza, leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo, has reacted to the escalation of the October 5 protest, expressing regret over the scenes of violence recorded during the evening.

Hamza said that protests should be held democratically and in accordance with the law. He said that, although he had not followed the situation during the day because of his commitments, the footage published in the media was unworthy of the citizens of Kosovo. According to him, the violence used was disproportionate.

The situation near the Assembly of Kosovo became tense on October 5. Protesters threw pyrotechnic devices toward the Assembly building, while the police responded with tear gas.

Hamza also criticized the Vetëvendosje Movement, holding it responsible for the situation created in the country and accusing it of a lack of decision-making.

According to him, Kosovo should not go to elections but needs political and institutional stability. Hamza said that, if the Vetëvendosje Movement did not find cooperation with the Democratic Party of Kosovo suitable, it could reach an agreement with the Democratic League of Kosovo. He added that the criteria applied to the LDK and PDK had been different, which, in his view, makes Vetëvendosje responsible for the situation that has been created.